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Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy - or PEG - discharge information

This page provides information/advice on discharge following a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG).

It is important that patients are aware of what problems they may experience following discharge and situations that require further advice or treatment.

If you have an established stoma siteShow [+]Hide [-]

When the site has healed (two to three weeks), clean daily with mild soap solution using tissues or soft cloth

No dressing should be necessary unless there is a heavy discharge.

If you have a newly formed stoma siteShow [+]Hide [-]

For 10 – 14 days clean the stoma site using a sterile saline solution.

Apply a dry dressing if there is oozing from PEG site

If the site is inflamed, oozing blood or pus obtain a swab for analysis. (This can be done by your GP or District Nurse).

Rotate the tube through 360° daily.

For two to three do not immerse the site in water (use showers not baths).

Fixation plateShow [+]Hide [-]

The external fixation plate can be released at this point (two to three weeks) noting the number mark on the tube, to access the stoma site for thorough cleaning – perform daily thereafter. Replace fixation plate after cleaning in its original position (if you are unsure how to do this, don't worry as the PEG Nurse will go through this procedure at your six week appointment, either in the PEG clinic or on a home visit).

If you have gained weight or your abdomen is distended, the position may need to be altered slightly.

Flushing and feedingShow [+]Hide [-]

Only administer prescribed feed, cooled, boiled water and medication

Ensure prescribed volume of water is flushed through the tube before and after feed.

Medicines should always be in suspension presentations

Sitting upright or with the head of the bed elevated will help prevent reflux and risk of chest infections

Do not lie flat for 30 minutes after feeding has finished

If the tube blocks flush with 30 mls of warm water. If this fails after 30 minutes flush with soda water (carbonated drink) or pineapple juice. If still blocked after a further 30 minutes contact PEG Team or Out of Hours - contact details below.